Maryland Low Wage Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland are generally set at two-thirds
of a worker’s average weekly wage for the 14 weeks immediately prior
to his or her injury. Workers cannot receive more than the average weekly
wage for the entire state. The average weekly wage is re-calculated periodically
to keep it up to date with actual wages being paid in Maryland.

Workers who receive particularly low wages, however, may find that their
two-thirds calculation is too low to support them as they attempt to recover
from their workplace injury or occupational illness. For low-wage workers,
Maryland provides a minimum amount of benefits in some situations.

What Are the Minimum Workers’ Comp Benefits in Maryland?

Maryland provides a minimum benefit for some workers who suffer permanent
partial disability. As of 2012, the minimum for permanent partial disability
benefits was $50.00 per week, according to the Maryland Workers’
Compensation Commission. However, if a worker earned less than $50.00
per week normally, the worker’s permanent partial disability benefits
would still be calculated using the two-thirds of the average weekly wage
rule. Under no circumstances, however, can a Maryland worker who suffers
partial permanent disability receive less than $25.00 per week if he or
she is eligible for workers’ compensation.

Maryland also sets a minimum benefit for workers who suffer permanent total
disability, which in 2012 was $50.00 per week regardless of what the worker
actually made in the 14 weeks prior to the injury. These workers may also
be eligible for federal Social Security disability or other benefits,
which must be applied for separately from workers’ compensation.

A Note on Independent Contractors

Low-wage minimum benefits and other workers’ compensation benefits
are only available for employees. Independent contractors may not receive
workers’ compensation coverage, regardless of how much or how little
they make. According to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission,
it’s important to be sure you are properly classified so that you
can receive benefits if you are performing the duties of an employee.
If you are an independent contractor, however, you may still be able to
file a claim in court against a place you do work for if your client’s
negligence resulted in your injuries. These types of claims are not covered
by the rules for low-wage workers and minimum benefits.

Protecting Your Financial Future

Regardless of the type of work you do or how much you’re paid, a
serious on the job injury or illness can make life much more difficult
for you and your family. The key to ensuring that you do not suffer unnecessary
financial hardships while trying to recover is by getting the compensation
you need to take care of routine expenses. The experienced workers’
compensation attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Poe, LLC are dedicated to helping
injured workers get the compensation they deserve, whether their wages
are high or low.

Alpert Schreyer Poe Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of Maryland. We serve all of Maryland including Prince George’s County, Bowie, Chillum, Clinton, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, Upper Marlboro, Frederick County, Frederick, Charles County, Waldorf, White Plains, St. Mary’s County, Lexington Park, Calvert County, Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel, Odenton, Pasadena, Severn, Montgomery County, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville, Silver Spring.